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Injured O's progressing through recovery

4/4/13: Brian Roberts suffers an injury to his leg while sliding into second base in the ninth inning and is forced to leave the game

By Todd Karpovich
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Special to MLB.com |

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles got some encouraging news on the injury front Thursday prior to their series finale against Tampa Bay.

Left-handed starter Tsuyoshi Wada, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery from last season, threw 45 pitches in three innings in extended spring training in Fort Myers, Fla. Manager Buck Showalter said the start "went well" and that the team would see how he was progressing Friday. Showalter said Wada could go four innings and 60 pitches in his next outing.

Right-hander Steve Johnson, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a right latissimus dorsi (back), threw four innings and 70 pitches. He got hit with a line drive in the thigh but continued to pitch. If Johnson feels well Friday, he will go on a rehab assignment with an undetermined Minor League affiliate, Showalter said.

Second baseman Brian Roberts, who is nursing a ruptured tendon behind his right knee, jogged on a treadmill in the pool for the first time. However, there is no definitive timetable for his return.

"That was encouraging," Showalter said about the treadmill work. "He's making some improvement. He's feeling better every day."

Also, Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia is expected to join Double-A Bowie on Friday. Showalter said Urrutia would play mostly corner outfield, but he could also see some time in center. To make room for Urrutia, Zelous Wheeler was placed on the disabled list

Todd Karpovich is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.